Whirlpool 4LBR7255AQ1 User manual

UseAndCare
GUIDE
TWO SPEED AUTOMATIC WASHERS
*
Home Appliances
PART NO. 3360468
A Note To You 2
Understanding
Washer Safety 3
Knowing Your
Washer’s Features 4
Operating Your
Washer 5
Other Features 10
Laundry Tips 12
If You Need
Assistance Or
Service 22
Warranty 24

2
A NOTE TO YOU
A Note ToYou
Thank you for buying a Whirlpool appliance.
You have purchased a quality, world-class home appliance. Years of engineering experience have
gone into its manufacturing. To ensure many years of trouble-free operation, we have developed
this Use and Care Guide. It is full of valuable information on how to operate and maintain your
appliance properly and safely. Please read it carefully. Also, please complete and mail the Owner-
ship Registration Card provided with your appliance. This will help us notify you about any new
information on your appliance.
Your safety is important to us.
This guide contains safety symbols and statements. Please pay special attention to these symbols
and follow any instructions given. Here is a brief explanation of the use of each symbol.
!!!INSERT WARNING HERE!!!
This symbol will help alert you to such dangers
as personal injury, burns, fire and electrical
shock.
Help when you need it.
If you have a question concerning your appliance’s operation, or if you need service, first see
“If You Need Assistance Or Service” on page 22. If you need further help, call an authorized
Whirlpool service company. When calling, you will need to know your appliance’s complete model
number and serial number. You can find this information on the model and serial number plate
(see diagram on page 4). For your convenience, we have included a place below for you to record
these numbers, the purchase date from the sales slip and your dealer’s name and telephone
number. Keep this book and the sales slip together in a safe place for future reference.
!!!INSERT CAUTION HERE!!!
This symbol will help you avoid actions which
could cause product damage (scratches,
dents, etc.) and damage to your personal
property.
AC UTION
WARNING
Model Number __________________________
Serial Number __________________________
Purchase Date __________________________
Dealer Name ___________________________
Dealer Phone ___________________________

3
UNDERSTANDING WASHER SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Understanding your responsibilities
•Store detergent, laundry aids and other
materials in a cool, dry place where
children cannot reach them (in a locked
cabinet if possible).
•Read and follow instructions on pack-
ages of detergent and laundry aids,
especially warnings and precautions.
•Do not wash or dry items that are soiled
with vegetable or cooking oil. These
items may contain some oil after launder-
ing. Due to the remaining oil, the fabric
may smoke or catch fire by itself.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock or injury to persons
when using your washer, follow basic precautions, including the
following:
•Read all instructions before using your
washer.
•Do not machine wash or machine dry
items cleaned, washed, soaked in, or
spotted with wax, paint, gasoline, oil, or
other flammable fluids. The fumes can
create a fire hazard or explosion. Always
hand wash and line dry items containing
these materials.
•Flammable fluids (dry-cleaning solvents,
kerosene, gasoline, etc.) should not be
used or stored in or near your washer. Do
not add flammable fluids to your wash
water. These substances give off vapors
that can create a fire hazard or explosion.
•Do not allow children to operate, play with,
or crawl on or inside your washer. Super-
vise children closely when your washer is
used near them.
•Before your washer is removed from
service or discarded, remove the lid to
prevent accidental entrapment.
•After starting a cycle, do not reach into the
basket unless the Cycle Control Knob is
pushed in and all motion stops.
•Do not tamper with the controls.
•If your hot water has not been used
recently (usually 2 weeks or longer),
hydrogen gases may build up in your
water heater and your hot water pipes.
HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. To
prevent injury or damage, before using
your washer, turn on all hot water faucets
and allow water to run for several min-
utes. This will allow gases to escape. Do
not smoke or use any open flame near
your faucet while it is open.
Please ...
•Have only a qualified person install,
repair, or replace parts on washer.
•Maintain washer properly.
•Protect washer from the weather and
keep it where the temperature will not fall
below freezing.
•Install and level washer on a floor that
can support the weight.†
•Connect washer to the correct 3-prong
outlet, electrical supply, water supply, and
drain.†
•Ground washer properly.†
†See the Installation Instructions.
– SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –
•Do not use chlorine bleach and ammonia
or acids (such as vinegar or rust re-
mover) in the same wash. Hazardous
fumes can form.
•Unplug power supply cord before
attempting to service your washer.
•Do not machine wash fiberglass materi-
als. Small particles can stick to the
fabrics washed in following loads and
cause skin irritation.

4
HEAVY DUTYHEAVY DUTY
LARGE CAPACITYLARGE CAPACITY
2 SPEED 7 CYCLE2 SPEED 7 CYCLE
MAGIC CLEAN FILTERMAGIC CLEAN FILTER
EXEX
SMALL SMALL LARGE
LARGE
WATER SAVINGWATER SAVING
LOAD SIZE SELECTORLOAD SIZE SELECTOR
COLD COLD
COLDCOLD
HOT HOT
COLDCOLD
ENERGY SAVINGENERGY SAVING
TEMPERATURE SELECTORTEMPERATURE SELECTOR
WASH WASH
RINSERINSE
WARM WARM
COLD COLD
HOTHOT
WARM WARM
PULLSTART • PUSH STOPPULLSTART • PUSH STOP
PERMANENT
PRESS
REGULAR
REGULAR
KNITS GENTLE
KNITS GENTLE
14
68
8
NORMAL
HEAVY
HEAVY NORMAL
OFF
OFF
OFF
1010
1010
6
NORMALNORMAL
4
SUPERWASHSUPERWASH LIGHT
LIGHT
Low
High
High
Low
High
High
Low
Low
ENERGY SAVINGENERGY SAVING
SPEED SELECTORSPEED SELECTOR
KNOWING YOUR WASHER’S FEATURES
Knowing Your Washer’s
Features
The parts and features of your washer are illustrated in this section. Become familiar with all parts
and features before using your washer.
NOTE: The drawings in this book may vary from your washer model. They are designed to show
the different features of all models covered by this book. Your model may not include all features.
Fabric softener
dispenser†
Agitator
†Available on some models
Model and serial
number plate
(under lid)
Bleach dispenser†
Basket
Tub
Cycle control
knob
Load size selector
Temperature selector Extra rinse option†
MAGIC CLEAN*
lint filter
(not shown)
On your control panel:
means Off
O

5
Operating Your Washer
In This Section Page Page
Before starting your washer ............................. 5Selecting a cycle and time ..............................6
Starting or stopping your washer .................... 5Using rinse and spin .......................................8
Selecting a load size .......................................... 5Using drain and spin .......................................9
Selecting wash-rinse temperatures ................. 6What happens in each cycle ...........................9
Operating your washer properly ensures maximum washing efficiency. This section gives you
important information to help you to select a cycle, time, and temperature for your wash load.
Before starting your washer
Add measured detergent. Then place a sorted
load in the washer before starting. See page 12
for additional “Before you wash” information.
Starting or stopping your washer
Starting your washer:
1. Select a load size and water temperature.
2. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn it
clockwise. Stop when the indicator on the
knob’s outer ring points to the number in the
wash cycle you want. The numbers are
minutes of wash time.
3. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob.
Refer to pages 6-9 for additional information to
help you make selections.
Stopping and restarting your washer:
•To stop the washer at any time, push in the
Cycle Control Knob.
•To restart the washer, close the lid (if neces-
sary) and pull out the Cycle Control Knob.
Selecting a load size
Your washer has a knob or slide Load Size
Selector. Position the Load Size Selector at the
setting that corresponds to the size load you
want to wash.
Select a load size based upon the size of
the load and the fabric you are washing. See
page 12 for additional loading information.
•If your washer has a knob Load Size Selec-
tor, turn selector to the desired load size.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
NOTE: If your washer has a Consumer Buy
Guide, remove it and place it in your Use and
Care Guide.
Soak
Permanent Press
Normal
Super Wash
6
S pin
Extra
C ool
D own
R inse
S pin
R inse
Regular
Light
Pre-Wash
Knits Gentle
Spin
14
12 64
4
Woollens
S pin
R inse
Extra
Pause
Rinse
8
18
10
O
O
O
Cycles may vary with model
Small
Ex Large
Large
Medium
Ex Small
Settings may vary with model

6
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
S mall M edium E xx L arge
R eset
Slide selector with ‘‘Reset’’
Soak
Permanent PressPermanent Press
Normal
Super Wash
6
S pin
Extra
C ool
D own
R inse
S pin
R inse
Regular
Light
Pre-Wash
Knits Gentle
Spin
14
12 64
4
Woollens
S pin
R inse
Extra
Pause
Rinse
8
18
10
O
O
O
Cycles may vary with model
•If your machine has a slide Load Size Selector,
you may set the load size anywhere on or
between the small and ex large settings.
To change the load size setting after the
washer has started to fill, move the Selector to
the desired new setting.
NOTE: If your washer has RESET on the Load
Size Selector, change the load size selection by
first moving the Selector to RESET, then to the
new load size.
Load size tips
•Items should move freely in the washer. Do
not overload the machine or select a load size
that is too small for the wash load.
•Use a large load size setting for best results
with permanent press clothes.
•Reduce wash time when using a small load
size setting. Loads with only a few small items
need less wash time.
Selecting wash-rinse temperatures
Your washer has a knob or CLEAN TOUCH*
Water Temperature Selector. Match the water
temperature to the type of fabric and soils being
washed. The top temperature is the wash water
and the bottom temperature is the rinse water.
Water temperature tips
•Use warm wash water with the Permanent
Press and Knits Gentle cycles.
•Always use warm wash water and warm
rinse water with the Woollens cycle.
•Always use cold rinse water for permanent
press fabrics.
•For heavily soiled permanent press or knit
clothes, prewash or presoak before washing in
warm water.
See the “Water usage guide” on page 16 for
more information.
Selecting a cycle and time
You will find information you need to help you
make correct cycle selections in this section.
•Pages 7-9: Use the information on these
pages to guide you when selecting a wash
cycle and time.
•Page 9: Use this page to help you understand
what happens during a wash cycle.
Hot
Hot
Warm Cold
Cold
Warm
Cold Cold
Hot
Warm
Hot
Cold
Cold
Cold
Warm
Cold
Warm
Warm
CLEAN TOUCH selector-
an indicator appears
above the water
temperatures selected
Knob selector

7
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Regular cycle
The Regular cycle features the Gentle Wash
system and high spin speeds to shorten drying
time.
•Use Normal, 10-14 minutes of wash time, to
clean sturdily constructed cotton and linen
fabrics that are moderately to heavily soiled.
•Use Light, 6 minutes of wash time, to clean
cotton and linen fabrics that are lightly soiled.
Permanent Press cycle
The Permanent Press cycle features the
Gentle Wash system, a cool-down rinse, and
low spin speeds to reduce wrinkling.
•Use 8-12 minutes of wash time to clean
permanent press and some synthetic fabrics
that are moderately soiled.
NOTE: The washer pauses briefly during the
wash cycle. This is normal for washer
operation.
Knits Gentle cycle
The Knits Gentle cycle features a reduced
agitation speed for gentle soil removal. Shorter
spins reduce wrinkling.
•Use 6 minutes of wash time to clean delicate
items and washable knits that are lightly to
moderately soiled.
Woollens cycle
(on some models)
The Woollens cycle features a reduced
agitation speed for gentle soil removal. Select
warm wash and warm rinse water when using
this cycle.
•Use this 4 minute cycle for washable
woollens and knits that are lightly soiled.
Normal
6
S pin
Extra
R inse
S pin
Regular
Light
14
Rinse
10
O
Regular cycle
Permanent Press
Knits Gentle
Woollens
C ool
D own
Spin
12 64
S pin
R inse
Extra
Pause
8
O
R inse
Permanent press cycle
Knits Gentle
C ool
D own
R inse
Spin
64
S pin
R inse
Extra
Pause
O
Woollens
C ool
D own
R inse
Spin
44
S pin
R inse
Extra
Pause
O
Woollens cycle
Knits gentle cycle

8
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Soak cycle
(on some models)
The manual Soak cycle features a brief period
of agitation, and a soak, to help remove heavy
soils and stains that need pretreatment.
•After the Soak cycle ends, turn the Cycle
Control Knob to PRE-WASH or SPIN.
•Use warm water when soaking laundry. (See
page 13 for stain removal information.) Use
the amount of detergent or presoak additive
recommended by manufacturer.
Pre-Wash cycle
(on some models)
The Pre-Wash cycle features a brief period of
high speed agitation to help remove heavy
soils and stains that need pretreatment.
•Use warm water for prewashing stained
laundry. (Hot water can set stains.) See
page 13 for stain removal information.
•After the Pre-Wash cycle ends, add deter-
gent and set a new wash cycle.
Pre-Wash
4
O
Super Wash cycle
(on some models)
Super Wash automatically prewashes the
laundry and advances into the Regular cycle.
(The washer does not need to be reset after
the Super Wash cycle.) Use this cycle when
washing heavily soiled loads that need
maximum soil removal.
•For proper cleaning, use double the amount
of detergent recommended for a wash cycle.
NOTE: The machine pauses during Super
Wash. This is normal for washer operation.
Using rinse and spin
NOTE: If your washer has the Extra Rinse
option, see page 10.
When using extra detergent for heavily soiled
clothes, or washing special-care items, you
may want an extra rinse and spin.
1. Push Cycle Control Knob in and turn
clockwise to RINSE, as illustrated.
2. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The washer
will fill to selected load size, agitate, drain,
and spin.
Pre-wash cycle
Super Wash
18
Super wash cycle
Permanent Press
Super Wash
Extra
R inse
R inse
Regular
R inse
Extra
Rinse
O
O
O
Soak
Soak cycle

9
Using drain and spin
NOTE: If your model has the Extra Rinse
option, move your selector to OFF.
A drain and spin may help shorten drying times
for some heavy fabrics or special-care items
by removing excess water.
1. Push Cycle Control Knob in and turn
clockwise to SPIN, as illustrated.
2. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The washer
will drain and spin.
Permanent Press
Super Wash
S pin
S pin
Regular
Spin
S
pin
O
O
O
What happens in each cycle
When the Cycle Control Knob is set to a
number and pulled out, the washer fills (to the
selected load size) before agitation and timing
start. The washer will begin agitating immedi-
ately after filling; agitation can occur with the
washer lid up or down. After agitation starts,
the Cycle Control Knob turns clockwise until it
points to
O
(OFF) and the cycle ends.
The washer pauses briefly throughout each
cycle. These pauses are normal for washer
operation.
NOTE: A Gentle Wash system helps protect
your fabrics by reducing wash agitation speed
during the last few minutes of wash agitation in
the Regular and Permanent Press cycles.
RINSEWASH
Fill
▼
Wash selected time
▼
Drain (or partial drain†)
No agitation
▼
Spin
▼
Fill
▼
Rinse
▼
Drain-No agitation
▼
Spin-Spray rinse
▼
Spin
▼
Off
▼
†The Permanent Press cycle partially
drains, fills, agitates briefly, and drains.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER

10
Other Features
In This Section Page Page
Using the extra rinse option ........................... 10 Using the chlorine bleach dispenser ...........11
Using the fabric softener dispenser............... 10 MAGIC CLEAN* lint filter ...............................11
Your washer may have some of the following features. Understanding the use of the features on
your machine will help you efficiently use your washer.
Using the extra rinse option
(on some models)
Some models offer an extra rinse in all cycles.
•Before a cycle starts, select Extra Rinse ON.
The washer automatically adds an extra
rinse and spin to the cycle.
•If no extra rinse and spin is desired, select
Extra Rinse OFF.
NOTE: On CLEAN TOUCH*models, the “On”
indicator appears when an Extra Rinse is
selected.
Using the fabric softener dispenser
(on some models)
1. Add detergent and load the basket.
2. Add liquid fabric softener to the dispenser
using the amount recommended on the
package. Avoid dripping or spilling any
fabric softener on the load.
3. Dilute fabric softener with warm water. Fill
dispenser with warm water until liquid
reaches the opening.
4. Start the washer. Diluted fabric softener will
be added to the load during the final rinse.
NOTE: Do not stop the washer before the
rinse part of the cycle begins. Staining can
occur.
5. Flush dispenser periodically with warm
water.
NOTE: Do not wash clothes with dispenser
removed. Do not add detergent or bleach to
dispenser. The dispenser can clog.
OTHER FEATURES
On Off
On
Off
Extra rinse knob Extra rinse pad
Flush to clean

11
Using the chlorine bleach dispenser
(on some models)
Always measure liquid chlorine bleach. Do not
guess. Never use more than 250 mL (1 cup) for
a full load. Use less with lower water level
settings. Follow manufacturer’s directions for
safe use. Use a cup with a pouring spout to
avoid spilling.
1. Load the washer.
2. Pour measured chlorine bleach carefully into
dispenser. Do not let bleach splash, drip or
run down into washer basket. Undiluted
bleach will damage any fabric it touches.
3. Start the washer. Bleach will be diluted
automatically during wash part of cycle.
NOTE: Do not add powdered chlorine or all-
fabric bleach to the dispenser. The dispenser
can clog.
MAGIC CLEAN*lint filter
The lint filter at the bottom of the washer
basket cleans itself. During agitation, wash and
rinse water pass over the filter, separating the
lint from the water. The lint is then spun away
from the filter and out of the system during the
spin part of the cycle.
If your washer drains into a tub, remove any
lint collected in the tub or strainer.
MAGIC CLEAN
lint filter Basket
interior
OTHER FEATURES

12
Laundry Tips
In This Section Page Page
Before you wash .............................................. 12 Solving laundering problems .......................20
Removing stains .............................................. 13 Caring for your washer .................................21
Water usage guide ........................................... 16 Care during periods of non-use ...................21
Using laundry aids........................................... 17 Saving energy ................................................21
Washing special-care items............................ 18
This section reviews proper laundering techniques, gives you additional washing information and
discusses solutions to common laundering problems.
Before you wash
Preparing clothes for washing
•Empty pockets and turn them inside out.
•Turn down cuffs and brush away lint and dirt.
•Turn synthetic knits inside out to avoid pilling.
•Close zippers, snaps and hooks to avoid
snagging other items. Remove pins, buckles
and other hard objects to avoid scratching
the washer interior.
•Remove unwashable trim and ornaments.
•Tie strings and sashes so they will not
tangle.
•Mend tears, loose hems and seams.
•Treat spots and stains. (See page 13 for
pretreatment and stain removal information.)
•Stained or wet garments should be washed
promptly for best results.
Sorting
•Separate dark from light colors, colorfast
from noncolorfast.
•Sort by fabric and construction (sturdy
cottons, knits, delicate items).
•Separate heavily soiled items from lightly
soiled ones even if they would normally be
washed together.
•Separate lint givers (towels, chenille) from
lint takers (corduroy, synthetics, permanent
press). When possible, turn lint givers inside
out.
LAUNDRY TIPS
Loading
•Load washer properly. Overloading or
packing can:
–cause poor cleaning.
–increase wrinkling.
–create excessive lint.
–wear out items faster (because of pilling).
•Load by the amount of space items take up,
not by their weight.
•Drop items into washer loosely. Fill to the top
of the basket, but do not pack or wrap items
around the agitator.
•Items should move easily through wash
water for best cleaning and wrinkle-free
results. Watch for rollover. Items should sink
and reappear later.
•Mix large and small items in each load. Load
evenly to maintain washer balance. An off-
balance load can make the machine vibrate
during spin.
•To reduce wrinkling, permanent press and
synthetic knits should have more room to
move in the water than heavy items (towels,
jeans).

13
Loading suggestions
For these suggested full-sized loads, use the highest load size setting.
LARGE CAPACITY WASHERS
Heavy Work Clothes
2 pair pants
3 shirts
3 pair jeans
1 coverall
Knits
2 slacks
2 blouses
4 shirts
4 tops
2 dresses
Permanent Press
1 double sheet
1 tablecloth
1 dress
1 blouse
2 slacks
3 shirts
2 pillowcases
Mixed Load
2 double or
1 king size sheet
4 pillowcases
6 T-shirts
6 pair shorts
2 shirts
2 blouses
6 handkerchiefs
Towels
8 bath towels
8 hand towels
10 wash cloths
1 bathmat
Delicates
2 camisoles
4 slips
4 panties
2 bras
2 nighties
SUPER CAPACITY WASHERS
Heavy Work Clothes
3 pair pants
3 shirts
4 pair jeans
1 coverall
1 overall
Knits
3 slacks
3 blouses
6 shirts
4 tops
4 dresses
Permanent Press
2 double or 1 king
size sheet
1 tablecloth
1 dress
1 blouse
2 slacks
3 shirts
2 pillowcases
Towels
10 bath towels
10 hand towels
14 wash cloths
1 bathmat
Delicates
3 camisoles
1 quilted robe
4 slips
4 panties
2 bras
2 nighties
1 baby’s dress
Mixed Load
3 double sheets
4 pillowcases
8 T-shirts
6 pair shorts
2 shirts
2 blouses
8 handkerchiefs
Removing stains
Stained, heavily soiled or greasy items may
need to be prewashed or soaked for best
results. Soaking helps remove protein-type
stains like blood, milk, or grass. Prewashing
helps loosen soil before washing.
Prewashing or soaking
Use warm water for soaking or prewashing
stained laundry. Hot water can set stains.
Stain removal rules
•Most stains are easier to remove when they
are fresh. Old or set stains may not come
out. Follow package directions for pretreat-
ment products.
•Before treating any stain, find out …
1. What kind of stain it is.
2. What kind of fabric it is and if it is colorfast.
(Check label.)
3. How old the stain is. (Washing and drying
can set some stains.)
•Start with cold or warm water. Hot water can
set some stains.
•When bleach is recommended, use a bleach
that is safe for the fabric. Dilute chlorine
bleach.
•Test stain removers on an inside seam or
hidden corner of the item to see if the color is
removed.
•Put the stained area face down on a paper
towel or white cloth. Apply the stain remover
to the back of the stain. This can force the
stain off the fabric instead of through it.
•Meat tenderizer or enzyme presoaks help
break down some protein stains so they are
easier to remove.
•Use nonflammable dry cleaning solvents in a
well-ventilated room.
LAUNDRY TIPS

14
STAIN
Alcoholic
beverage
Blood
Chewing
gum
Chocolate or
coffee
Crayon and
candle wax
Cream, milk
or ice cream
Deodorants
and anti-
perspirants
Fat, grease
or oil
Fruit stains
Grass or
green
vegetables
Ink or
ballpoint
pen ink
Stain removal guide
TO REMOVE
These stains turn brown with age, so treat immediately. Sponge or soak fresh
stains with cold water. Wash. If stain remains, soak 15 minutes in a solution of
lukewarm water, liquid detergent and a few drops of white vinegar. Rinse. Wash.
Rinse immediately or soak in cold water with enzyme presoak for 30 minutes or
longer. Rinse. Rub detergent into any remaining stains. Rinse. If stain remains,
put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide on stain for 3-5 minutes. Rinse
thoroughly. Wash.
Use ice to make gum hard. Scrape off what you can. Sponge with a nonflam-
mable dry cleaning solvent. Let dry. Wash.
Sponge immediately with a nonflammable dry cleaning solvent or apply a
prewash soil and stain remover. Rinse. Wash. If stain remains, apply a liquid
detergent to stain or soak in warm water with an enzyme presoak. Rewash.
Scrape off excess with a dull knife. Place fabric between two blotters or facial
tissue. Press with warm iron. Remove color stain with nonflammable dry clean-
ing solvent. Hand wash until stain is gone. If full load is crayon stained, take to
cleaners or coin-operated dry cleaning machine.
Sponge with a nonflammable dry cleaning solvent, or a prewash soil and stain
remover. Rinse. Wash. Repeat if necessary. If stain remains, apply a few drops
of liquid detergent and a few drops of ammonia. Blot dry and rinse. If stain
remains, soak in an enzyme presoak. Wash.
Light stain: Treat with liquid detergent or your regular laundry detergent. Wash
in hottest water safe for fabric.
Heavy stain: Place face down on towel and treat with a paste of ammonia and
all-fabric bleach. Let stand for 30 minutes. Wash in hottest water safe for fabric.
Items soiled with vegetable or cooking oil should not be washed or dried. See
vegetable/cooking oil Warning on page 3. For other types of greasy stains, use
one of the methods below:
•Use pretreatment stain remover. Follow label directions. Wash in hottest water
safe for fabric.
•Use talcum powder to absorb as much grease as possible. Sponge with a
nonflammable dry cleaning solvent. Rinse. Wash.
•Treat with liquid detergent or rub a detergent paste on the stain. Wash using
hottest water safe for fabric.
Fresh stains: Soak immediately in cool water. Wash. If stain remains, cover
area with a paste made of all-fabric bleach, a few drops of hot water and a few
drops of ammonia. Wait 15 to 30 minutes. Wash.
Old stains: Sponge with white vinegar. Rinse. Repeat procedure for fresh
stains.
Soak in warm or cold water with an enzyme presoak for at least 30 minutes, or
sponge with denatured alcohol. Wash in water temperature and bleach safe for
the fabric. For colored fabrics, check colorfastness before applying alcohol. For
acetate, sponge with a nonflammable dry cleaning solvent. If stain remains,
bleach with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Rinse. Rewash.
Spray stain with an aerosol hair spray or rubbing alcohol. Sponge stain continu-
ously until all bleeding stops. Let dry. Repeat if necessary. Wash. If stain
remains, bleach if safe for fabric. (India and other indelible inks are almost
impossible to remove completely.)
LAUNDRY TIPS

15
STAIN
Iron or rust
Ketchup or
tomato
products
Lipstick
Meat juice,
egg
Mildew
Mustard
Paint
Perspiration
Scorch
Soft drinks
TO REMOVE
Colored or noncolorfast items: Apply lemon juice and salt. Place in the sun
to dry. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
White or colorfast items: Try a rust remover. Test first on inside seam or
hem. Some rust removers are not washer safe. Follow package directions.
Sponge immediately with a nonflammable dry cleaning solvent or apply a
prewash soil and stain remover. Rinse. Wash. If stain remains, apply a liquid
detergent to stain or soak in warm water with an enzyme presoak. Rewash.
Apply nonflammable dry cleaning solvent or prewash soil and stain remover.
Blot with absorbent material. Repeat if necessary. Rinse. If stain still remains,
rub with liquid detergent. Wash.
Scrape off excess with a dull knife. Soak in cold or warm water with enzyme
presoak at least 30 minutes, or treat stains with a nonflammable dry cleaning
solvent. Wash.
Wash in hottest water safe for fabric. If stain remains, soak in warm water and
an all-fabric bleach for 15 to 30 minutes. Rewash. (Old mildew stains are
almost impossible to remove. Mildew fungus destroys or weakens fabrics.)
An alternative to bleach is to treat with salt and lemon juice and dry in direct
sunlight. Rinse and rewash. Mildew may form if wet or damp laundry remains in
your washer for extended periods of time. To prevent mildew, promptly dry
laundry after washing.
Treat immediately. Scrape off excess mustard. Sponge with a nonflammable
dry cleaning solvent or a prewash soil and stain remover. Rinse. Work liquid
detergent and a few drops of vinegar into stain. Rinse. If stain remains, apply
3% hydrogen peroxide. Rinse and wash.
Hand wash paint-stained items.
Water base: Treat stains while still wet. (These paints cannot be removed after
they have dried.) Rinse in warm water to flush out paint. Sponge with a
nonflammable dry cleaning solvent. Rinse. Wash.
Oil base: Scrape off fresh paint. Sponge with a nonflammable dry cleaning
solvent or treat stain with recommended thinner. While stain is still wet with
solvent, rub liquid detergent into it. Wash with hottest water safe for fabric.
Remove stains before ironing. Perspiration stains may weaken fabric. Wash or
sponge stain thoroughly with detergent and warm water. If perspiration has
changed the color of the fabric, use one of the following treatments:
Fresh stains: Apply ammonia to stain. Rinse. Launder to remove ammonia
odor.
Old stains: Apply white vinegar to stain. Rinse. Launder to remove vinegar
odor.
Severe scorch cannot be removed. Wet stain with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Cover with a dry cloth and press with an iron as hot as is safe for fabric. Rinse
well. Wash.
OR
Wet with lemon juice and spread in the sun to dry. Wash.
Sponge immediately with cold water and alcohol. Heat and detergent may set
stain.
LAUNDRY TIPS

16
Water usage guide
Water temperature
WASH
HOT
54°C (130°F)
or above
WARM
32°-44°C
(90°-110°F)
COLD
21°-32°C
(70°-90°F)
RINSE
COLD
COLD
COLD
USE FOR
•Heavy soils
•Work clothes
•Sturdy whites and
colorfast pastels
•Diapers
•Light and moderate soils
•Dark or noncolorfast
colors
•Moderately soiled perma-
nent press
•Nylons, polyesters,
acrylics, silks, woollens
•Knits and delicate fabrics
•Prewash, soak
•Very lightly soiled items
•Normal soiled items if
extra detergent is added
•Extra sensitive colors
(noncolorfast)
•Rinsing, for all fabrics
COMMENTS
•Gives best cleaning for heavy
soils.
•Removes oils, perspiration, greasy
soils and stains.
•Prevents graying and yellowing.
•Safe for most fabric finishes.
•Less fading and dye bleeding.
•Reduces wrinkling.
•Saves hot water.
•Less effective cleaning than hot or
warm water.
•Use longest wash time in cycle
selected.
•Use liquid detergent, or dissolve
powdered detergent in warm water
before adding to cold wash water.
•Pretreat spots, stains and heavy or
greasy soils.
To check your hot water temperature with a
candy or cooking thermometer:
1. Fill a pan with the hottest water available
from the faucet that will fill your washer.
2. Place a candy or cooking thermometer in
water to check the temperature.
If you do not have a faucet at your wash site,
collect water from the faucet closest to your
washer.
NOTE: In wash-water temperatures colder
than 21°C (70°F):
•Detergents do not dissolve well.
•Soils are difficult to remove.
•Some fabrics will retain wear wrinkles and
may have increased pilling.
Water hardness
Many poor washing results can be traced to
wash-water hardness. To check your water
hardness:
•City water–ask your city water company.
Ask for the mineral content in grains-per-gallon
or parts-per-million. If your water is 9 or more
grains-per-gallon or more than 153 parts-per-
million:
•Consider installing a water softener.
•Use more detergent.
•Use a packaged water conditioner.
•Do not use soap.
LAUNDRY TIPS

17
Using laundry aids
Follow package instructions when using laundry
aids. (See “Removing Stains” on page 13, for
more information.)
Chlorine bleach
•Use bleach dispenser if your machine has one.
(See page 11.)
•If your washer does not have a bleach
dispenser:
1. Let the washer fill and begin agitating the
load.
2. Measure bleach. Never use more than
250 mL (1 cup) for a full load. Dilute mea-
sured bleach in 1L (1 quart) of water.
3. Add bleach to the wash cycle so it can be
removed in the rinse cycle. Pour bleach
around agitator, not directly on load.
•Follow directions on care labels. Do not use
chlorine bleach on wool, silk, spandex,
acetates or some flame-retardant fabrics.
•When soaking with chlorine bleach, add
detergent to soak water.
NOTE: Undiluted bleach will damage any fabric
it touches. The damage appears as rips, holes,
tears, or color loss and may not show up until
several washings later.
All-fabric bleach
•Powdered or liquid all-fabric bleach may be
used on all types of fabrics.
•Do not use all-fabric bleach in the bleach
dispenser because it may clog.
Detergent
•Using too little detergent is a common cause
of laundry problems. Follow manufacturer’s
directions. Measure accurately, especially
when using ultra detergents. Package
directions are usually based on:
–moderate water hardness (4-6 grains)
–lightly soiled items
–normal mix loads.
•Use more detergent for:
–hard water
–cooler wash water
–full loads
–heavily soiled items.
•Do not judge the amount of detergent to use
by the amount of suds in the machine. Low
sudsing detergents do not create as many
suds as normal sudsing detergents.
•If the recommended amount of normal
sudsing detergent creates too many suds or
suds are present in the rinse water, try a low
sudsing detergent.
LAUNDRY TIPS
Fabric softeners
•Use your fabric softener dispenser if your
machine has one.
•If your washer does not have a fabric
softener dispenser, add diluted fabric
softener only in the final rinse.
•Always dilute fabric softeners with 125 to
250 mL (1/2to 1 cup) warm water. Undiluted
fabric softener can stain fabrics.
•Fabric softeners should not be mixed with
other laundry products because greasy
stains may form. If stains form, remove by
wetting the stain and rubbing with liquid
detergent or a bar of soap. Rewash the
stained item.
•Too much fabric softener can make some
items (diapers and towels) nonabsorbent. If
this happens, use less fabric softener or do
not use it every time.
!!!INSERT WARNING HERE!!!
Fire or Explosion Hazard
•Store flammable solvents or liquids away
from your washer.
•Dry cleaning solvents or fluids should not
be put directly into your washer.
•Items treated with solvents should be
rinsed and air dried before washing in
your washer.
The fumes from these substances can
create a fire hazard or explosion.
Personal Injury Hazard
•Never use chlorine bleach with ammonia
or acids. Hazardous fumes can form.
•Keep stain removal products out of the
reach of children … preferably in a locked
cabinet.
WARNING

18
Washing special-care items
Most garments and household textiles have care labels with laundering instructions. Always follow
label directions when they are available. General washing instructions for some special washables
are included in this section.
Pretreat spots and stains. Select water temperature, cycle, and time
according to the type of blanket being washed. Two rinses may be
necessary. If manufacturer recommends machine washing:
1. Measure blanket before washing.
2. Add mild detergent to washer. Fill and agitate briefly to dissolve
detergent.
3. Stop washer. Load blanket evenly around agitator. Soak 10 to
15 minutes.
4. Set Cycle Control Knob to Drain and Spin. Start washer. Spin 1 to
2 minutes.
5. Fill washer for final rinse. Stop washer. Allow to soak.
6. Set Cycle Control Knob to Drain and Spin. Start washer. Allow
washer to finish cycle.
7. Lay blanket on flat surface and block by gently stretching to
original measurement. Woollens tend to shrink more the first time
they are washed. This is normal.
Blankets, electric and
woollen
Curtains, drapes,
slipcovers
Diapers
Elastic, spandex
Flame-retardant
clothing
LAUNDRY TIPS
Wash small loads. Crowding will cause wrinkling.
1. Shake or vacuum to remove loose dirt.
2. Wash following manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE:
•Sun-damaged curtains and draperies will tear whether hand or
machine washed.
•Replace slipcovers while still slightly damp. They will dry to fit tightly.
When using chlorine bleach for soaking, add detergent to load.
Avoid overuse of fabric softeners. Absorbency will be reduced.
1. Rinse immediately. Soak in a solution of lukewarm water and
a small amount of detergent until you are ready to wash them.
You may wish to use bleach or a special soaking product
when soaking.
2. Spin excess water from diapers before washing.
3. Wash diapers as you would wash white cottons and linens.
Elastic picks up oil from the body. Oil can damage elastic. Wash
often to help reduce the damage. Use warm water and sufficient
detergent to remove oils.
Items will be clearly labeled as flame-retardant. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions to retain flame retardant qualities.

19
Do not wash fiberglass materials in your washer. Glass particles
could stick to the next load and cause skin irritation.
Knits are comfortable to wear because they stretch. However,
this means that knits are more likely to be stretched and
damaged when washed (especially bulky knits). Knits made of
synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic tend to
keep their original shape more than a knit made of cotton or
ramie.
1. Close zippers, fasten hooks and eyes to prevent snagging.
2. Wash small loads to reduce pilling and lint.
Fiberglass
materials
Knits
Pillows, stuffed
toys
Plastic, rubber
items
Quilts, bedspreads
Scatter rugs
Snowsuits, jackets,
etc.
Washing feather pillows is not recommended unless they are
dryer dried.
1. Add detergent then partially fill washer with water; agitate
until detergent is dissolved.
2. Place two pillows on opposite sides of the agitator to balance
the load.
3. Allow washer to fill completely and continue through the
cycle.
4. Stop the washer occasionally to press air from item(s) being
washed.
Treat as delicate items. Wash in warm water. Wash small items
in a mesh bag.
Do not wash cotton-filled comforters unless they are quilted or
stitched; tucked cotton batting tends to slip and become lumpy.
1. Shake or vacuum to remove loose dirt.
2. Wash more than one small rug at a time. If you wash only
one rug, add bath towels to balance the load. A larger rug
should be distributed around the agitator to balance the load.
1. Wash only one or two items at a time. Load evenly around
the agitator.
2. Stop the washer occasionally to press air from item(s) being
washed.
3. Two rinses may be necessary.
LAUNDRY TIPS

20
Solving laundering problems
Most laundering problems are easily solved if you understand the cause. Check the following
list for problems you may have and possible causes. If you need additional help, check the
“Assistance or Service” section of this book.
PROBLEM
Brown, yellow
stains
Dye transfer
Gray whites,
dingy colors
Greasy looking
spots
Lint
Load too wet
after spin
Shrinking
Snags, rips, holes
Stiff, rough fabrics
(usually cottons)
Twisting, tangling
Wrinkling
Yellow areas
(from body oils)
CAUSE
•Chlorine staining
•Iron in water heater or pipes
•Iron and manganese in water
•Improper sorting
•Load not immediately removed from washer after end of cycle
•Improper sorting
•Water temperature too low
•Not enough detergent
•Using soap in very hard water (use detergent if you have hard water)
•Undiluted fabric softener or fabric softener poured directly on load
•Fabric softener in wash water
•Not enough detergent
•Improper sorting
•Paper or tissue in pockets
•Pilling being mistaken for lint
•Overloading
•Not enough detergent
•Cold rinses
•Lid is opened before spinning is completed
•Fabric type (some knits stretch during manufacturing–laundering
returns fabric to original size)
•Care label directions not followed
•Items damaged before washing
•Misuse of chlorine bleach
•Sharp articles not removed from pockets
•Overloading
•Fasteners not fastened
•Using soap in very hard water (use detergent if you have hard water)
•Not enough detergent
•Line drying
•Overloading
•Improper loading (do not wrap large items around agitator)
•Overloading
•Load not immediately removed from washer after end of cycle
•Improper rinse temperature
•Cycle selection is incorrect (based on fabric type)
•Water temperature too low
•Not enough detergent
LAUNDRY TIPS